Music Sales Down in 2009

The IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry) has published its annual review of the music industry and there’s some pretty interesting stuff. The headline figure is that music sales fell 7.2% in 2009, mainly in USA and Japan but many other countries, such as Australia and the UK, saw growth. Overall, the industry was worth US$ 17billion. The larger music industry which includes live performances, sales of music equipment and advertising was worth US$ 130 billion, but was also down 8% in 2009.

The trend towards digital downloads continues, with sales of physical media falling by nearly 13%. Digital music sales grew by slightly over 9.2%. In the US, digital music sales now accounts for 43% of the music market (which I think is astonishing. The days of the CD are numbered). The IFPI reports that there are now 12 millions tracks available digitally from 400 legal vendors.

Additionally, the IFPI lists the top 10 albums of 2009, and you’ll be surprised at some of these…

Susan Boyle – I Dreamed a Dream (8.3 million)

Black Eyed Peas – The E.N.D.(The Energy Never Dies)

Michael Jackson – This Is It

Taylor Swift – Fearless

Lady Gaga – The Fame

Michael Bublé – Crazy Love

U2 – No Line on the Horizon

Michael Jackson – Thriller

Michael Jackson – Number Ones

Andrea Bocelli – My Christmas

Yes, Michael Jackson had 3 of the top 10 albums in 2009 and further enhances Thriller’s legendary status as the best-selling album of all time. A fitting tribute to a sad loss.